Parwan, Afghanistan: Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC) strongly condemns the physical assault of Mr. Maqbool Noori, a reporter of Danesh Radio and Television Network in Parwan and his colleague, by the Kapisa Provincial Dispute Resolution Head, and calls on the local government of Kapisa to seriously investigate and address the case.
Maqbool Noori, and his colleague were physically assaulted today by the Kapisa Dispute Resolution Head and his bodyguards when they were capturing videos from a site to prepare an investigative report on the usurpation of 800 Jeribs (160 hectares) of land in Kapisa province. According to Mr. Noori, the Dispute Resolution Head and his bodyguards beaten, insulted, and humiliated them, and seized their equipment for 2 hours. Based on AJSC provincial coordinator in Kapisa province, Mr. Noori and his colleague are in good condition now.
AJSC has called for a serious investigation into this case. At the same time, AJSC emphasizes that no individual or group has the right to physically assault journalists, and media workers or seize their equipment. In case of any issues, it should be pursued in accordance with the law and through legal institutions.
AJSC once again calls on all responsible government agencies to take practical and serious measures to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers across Afghanistan. Also, AJSC encourages all journalists and media workers to strictly adhere to safety guidelines and precautions while commuting and reporting from the field.
